PH bets: And then there were five

RIO DE JANEIRO – From 13 athletes, the Philippines is left with only five bets who will carry on the fight with 10 more days of action in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jasmine Alkhaldi swam on a chilly day and vied in the women’s 100m freestyle Wednesday but could not get to the semis at the Olympic Aquatics Center.

She wished the remaining Filipino athletes here the best as they try to duplicate weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’ feat and give the Philippines its best finish ever in the Olympics.

“Good luck and enjoy the moment. Enjoy being one of the very few Filipinos competing in the Olympics,” said Alkhaldi.
That was the same message Diaz, who handed the Philippines its first Olympic medal in 20 years, gave to her fellow athletes before she flew out of Rio.

Chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta echoed Diaz’ farewell message.

“Inspired by Hidilyn’s medal feat and heeding her call, ‘Walang bibitiw. Laban lang’ (Don’t quit. Keep up the fight), our remaining five athletes vowed to do just that,” said Romasanta.

“We don’t want to put pressure on our remaining bets but another medal of any color will give the Philippines its best ever finish in the Olympics,” he said.

In 1932, the Philippines won three bronze medals courtesy of Simeon Toribio in men’s high jump, Jose Villanueva in men’s boxing (bantamweight) and Teofilo Yldefonso in men’s 200m breaststroke.

With Diaz’ silver, another medal of any color here will surpass that 1932 finish.

The 23-year-old Alkhaldi, who holds the Philippine record in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle, clocked 56.30 seconds, just a fraction off her best time of 56.10.

Alkhaldi, who did 57.13 in the 2012 London Olympics, good for 34th among 50 entries, this time landed 33rd from among 46 competitors.

“Overall it was okay. I’m happy with the results. I would have been happier if I swam faster but we got the time that we trained for,” said Alkhaldi.

Now left to carry the fight for the Philippines are golfer Miguel Tabuena who competes against some of the world’s best starting Thursday here; marathoner Mary Joy Tabal on Aug. 14; long jumper Maresttella Torres Sunang and 400m hurdles bet Eric Cray on Aug. 16; and taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora on Aug. 20, the penultimate day of competition.

Tabuena, 21, is confident of putting up a good show in Rio. He’s enjoying his finest season as a pro and has brought his own caddy here from Baguio, Clayton Besset, and swing coach Joel Altea.